Venezuela After Chávez

Regardless of whether the president makes it to his inauguration, the angling to replace him has begun.

By

Mary Anastasia O'Grady

Jan. 6, 2013 6:16 p.m. ET

Is Hugo Chávez dead or alive? And if he is dead, won't that make it difficult for him to take the oath of office on Thursday—when he is supposed to be sworn in as the Venezuela's president for another six-year term?

Inquiring Venezuelans want to know. It has been four weeks since Mr. Chávez left the country for cancer surgery in Havana, and he has yet to make a postoperative public appearance. The details of his illness and his...